HD question

I disagree about the Road glide.
I put 40,000 miles on a 2003 ultra classic and then bought a brand new 2008 road glide and the bike was excellant except for the air management.I tried every windshield combo possible on that bike and always had very noisy air and buffeting.

I figure it is because the fairing is so far forward and I am 6'1 with a 32" inseam, so I am torso tall and sit tall in the saddle.

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True about the buffetting. I'm 5 11 with 32 inseam and with a FF helmet and stock windshield, i got buffetting. Much more when I used an Airhawk air seat. (pushed me up about two inches).

I got a taller windvest (I think 16 inches) and dumped the airhawk (for shorter rides) and the buffetting is waaay better.

With a 3/4 open face, there's hardly any buffetting at all with any combo. It's the size of the helmet for me. My big noggin and cruddy Bell helmet made for some noise.

Of course, I still rode 12 grand in four weeks on it with the stock sheild :)

I never cared for the Road Glide with it's fairing way out in front and the buffeting from being located so. Looks like HD is discontinuing the Road Glide, it's not being offered for model year 2014. Prolly going to redesign it and bring it back with the rumored liquid cooled engine later in 2014, or for 2015.

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Apparently HD is going to redo their manufacturing faciities of the fairing, and redesign it slightly.

No way would they drop it for any length of time. Hottest bike on the sales floor according to the dealers I talk to.

Wouldn't surprise me if it gets the water cooled heads too. It's the most "sporting" of the big tourers.

Apparently HD is going to redo their manufacturing faciities of the fairing, and redesign it slightly.

No way would they drop it for any length of time. Hottest bike on the sales floor according to the dealers I talk to.

Wouldn't surprise me if it gets the water cooled heads too. It's the most "sporting" of the big tourers.

Cakeater

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Yeah,if they could move the fairing and shield a little closer to the rider to fix the windflow issue for the bigger guys then the bike would be awsome.
I did put a 1,200 mile day on my 2008 once,and the bike was great except for the irritating loud,dirty wind issue,the radio is useless with all the wind noise.

I disagree about the Road glide.
I put 40,000 miles on a 2003 ultra classic and then bought a brand new 2008 road glide and the bike was excellant except for the air management.I tried every windshield combo possible on that bike and always had very noisy air and buffeting.

I figure it is because the fairing is so far forward and I am 6'1 with a 32" inseam, so I am torso tall and sit tall in the saddle.

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They addressed this (very nicely) with a couple of air damns that mount to the top of the engine guard behind the Shark Nose.

They come standard on any 2012 or newer Road Glide that is fitted with lowers. It can be retrofitted to the older models as well and no tools required ... Just snaps into place. I believe they are $39.99 for the pair.

Can't tell you how much I appreciate these grown up answers, thanks guys, I have no interest in the "Pirate" look or wanabe Bad guy sillyness.

Bike is very comfortable and still has that classic look and feeling, but without the classic issues.

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They are fantastic bikes and no need to Pirate up, my Stich gear works just fine on the Ultra Limited.
Already mentioned - the new frames got it right, no more disconnected feeling.

If stock seat and all that fit you thats great but there are good inexpensive seats you can try before you buy if you need something different. I can't believe how good the Sundowner is on mine and I paid well under 300 bucks for it.

Best bike I've ridden for big mile days and it even works for the wife riding on back for hours on end.

Comparing 2008 and 2009+ frame: 2009+ frame is stiffer, etc. but both are still big and heavy and will float at more extreme conditions that might be a walk in the park for a typical ST bike. If your using it to log on the miles in comfort, there are NO differences in terms of comfort between the two. 2009+ frames are longer and more stable at higher speed (90MPH+) but suffers when in manuvering around tight parking lots. The extra length on the 2009+ models are all in the neck and frame and none at the seat.

Comparing Roadking to ElectraGlide: Roadking has a lower and forward handlebar. While the ElectraGlide has a higher and rear-swept handlebar. Comfort and preference are up to the individuals. Those with longer arms and preference for the ST styles seating might prefer the RK more.

Comparing RoadGlide to ElectraGlide: I dislike the RG fairing. HD has redesigned the RG fairing numerous times due to buffeting and vibration issues. The RG fairing, while larger than the EG and frame mounted, is also more forward with some weird aerodynamic design. Most RG owner end up changing out to aftermarket windshields like Klockwerks fix the problem. Most RG will have fairing rattle problem.

ElectraGlide Classic/Ultra/Limited. There are three models to choose from. The Classic is the value leader. No bells/whistles but still comes with radio and tourpak. This is the one to get if you are on a budget. Add the popular options like ABS and cruise you're still thousands below the Ultra. Ultra is a Classic with intercom, CB, lowers, cruise, and extra tourpak lights. The limited has all the bells and whistles. With the exception of ABS, almost every one of the options can be purchased and installed by the user and/or dealer.

ElectraGlide Police : If you don't care for the radio, this might be the one to get. Some dealers will have one or two as leftover orders that they can sell to civilians. They will remove all the police-specific items like lights and siren but leave most of the parts and wiring in. It has a better seat although most dealers replace them with regular seat for civilian sale. ABS standard, no frills paint, and about $1-2K cheaper than a classic!

What do I ride? I ride the Classic for long distance with the wife. The Street Glide for HOG meeting and rallies. The Buell if I want to carve the corners.

My BIL has a '06 EG Classic, lives in East Texas and I have ridden it a lot in all those East Texas back roads. I have to confess that it was the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden.....but I always got the feeling of vagueness starting around 80-85 on those two lane paved back roads. The question is, re the new '13 EG Classic with the new frame, 6 speed tranny and 103 motor and I think, better brakes.

How do they compare??? Has that vagueness either disapeared or pushed to a higher speed?

What are the thoughts on the new HS's with the new frame, 6 spd and the 103?

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Sounds like your BIL's bike could use some TLC... I ride an '07 EGC, and have no issue with vagueness runnin' 80-85.

Comparing 2008 and 2009+ frame: 2009+ frame is stiffer, etc. but both are still big and heavy and will float at more extreme conditions that might be a walk in the park for a typical ST bike. If your using it to log on the miles in comfort, there are NO differences in terms of comfort between the two. 2009+ frames are longer and more stable at higher speed (90MPH+) but suffers when in manuvering around tight parking lots. The extra length on the 2009+ models are all in the neck and frame and none at the seat.

Comparing Roadking to ElectraGlide: Roadking has a lower and forward handlebar. While the ElectraGlide has a higher and rear-swept handlebar. Comfort and preference are up to the individuals. Those with longer arms and preference for the ST styles seating might prefer the RK more.

Comparing RoadGlide to ElectraGlide: I dislike the RG fairing. HD has redesigned the RG fairing numerous times due to buffeting and vibration issues. The RG fairing, while larger than the EG and frame mounted, is also more forward with some weird aerodynamic design. Most RG owner end up changing out to aftermarket windshields like Klockwerks fix the problem. Most RG will have fairing rattle problem.

ElectraGlide Classic/Ultra/Limited. There are three models to choose from. The Classic is the value leader. No bells/whistles but still comes with radio and tourpak. This is the one to get if you are on a budget. Add the popular options like ABS and cruise you're still thousands below the Ultra. Ultra is a Classic with intercom, CB, lowers, cruise, and extra tourpak lights. The limited has all the bells and whistles. With the exception of ABS, almost every one of the options can be purchased and installed by the user and/or dealer.

ElectraGlide Police : If you don't care for the radio, this might be the one to get. Some dealers will have one or two as leftover orders that they can sell to civilians. They will remove all the police-specific items like lights and siren but leave most of the parts and wiring in. It has a better seat although most dealers replace them with regular seat for civilian sale. ABS standard, no frills paint, and about $1-2K cheaper than a classic!

What do I ride? I ride the Classic for long distance with the wife. The Street Glide for HOG meeting and rallies. The Buell if I want to carve the corners.

ERD, agreed a great post and the most informative yet. I have yet to ride either the new Road Kings or the EG Classic, but I will soon.

Thanks everyone for the great replys.

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Keep in mind that the handle bars and seats are easy to change around on the HD touring motorcycles, and especially on the Road Kings and Road Glides, because of no faring requiring extra wide-at-the-base handle bars. ERD's post doesn't really mention that. It is a good post otherwise.

Point is, if you are moved by a particular HD touring motorcycle, but find a different HD touring motorcycle to fit better, it's very easy to make one fit like the other. Find the HD that speaks to your soul, find the HD that speaks to your comfort, and make the 1st fit like the 2nd. It's easy, not that expensive, and gets you the HD your heart says you want, without compromising comfort.

(Personally, I have a Road King. Have two different seats for different uses, One handle bar, BUT have different risers I use for different seats. The risers are a little-known secret on the Road Kings requiring an inexpensive trim piece to allow. The batwing bikes don't allow that because the faring is in the way. Not sure about the Road Glide, but think it might allow different risers.)